Sen. Ralph’s mother dies in Cambodia, 72

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Ralph Recto’s mother, Carmen Gonzales Recto, died in her sleep Saturday morning, Nov. 2, while on a holiday in Cambodia. She was 72.

Ralph and his wife, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, and companions were vacationing in Tokyo when they got the sad news. The next day, Nov. 3, was Vilma’s 60th birthday.

In a text message to The STAR, Vilma’s Girl Friday/accountant Fandialan said that Carmen was with the family of her friend Cely Fajardo who was the chief of staff of Carmen’s late husband, Assemblyman Rafael “Raffy” Recto.

“She woke up early that morning, took a bath and had coffee,” Fandialan reported. “They were going to the airport for their 9 a.m. flight back home. While waiting for her companions to dress up, Ma’am Carmen took a nap. She never woke up. She died peacefully.”

Carmen was reported to be suffering from pneumonia. Her body will be flown home tomorrow, Nov. 5.